Cross-Complaint

A Cross-Complaint is a legal document filed by a defendant in a lawsuit, asserting claims against the plaintiff or a co-defendant. The cross-complaint typically arises out of the same transaction or occurrence as the original complaint and may seek relief such as damages, indemnification, or contribution. The purpose of the cross-complaint is to allow the defendant to assert their own claims within the same proceeding, rather than having to file a separate lawsuit. This can help to avoid duplicative litigation and ensure that all related claims are resolved in a single action. The cross-complaint is typically filed and served along with the answer to the original complaint, and the parties may engage in discovery and motion practice on the cross-claims as well. Cross-complaints can add complexity to a lawsuit, but they can also help to ensure that all relevant claims are addressed and that the parties’ rights are fully adjudicated. They are an important tool in the litigation process, particularly in cases involving multiple parties or complex factual scenarios.